Steam coming from intercooler (ML270 - W163)

[ants-uk]

The car hasn't been driven for a couple of years but I have got her to a place where she's going for an MOT on Tuesday. I thought I'd turn her over just to double check all the leaks I've fixed only to see steam coming from the intercooler.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Would it impact a couple of mile journey to the MOT station?

In this video, you can see tiny vapour spouts which disappear when I put my finger over them.

For background info: I refurbished the air-intake manifold and gave the whole system a good clean. Fixed some fuel leaks from the leak-off pipe.

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Unlikely to be coming from the intercooler as they generally don't get that hot, more likely to be from the main engine rad or possibly even the auto box oil cooler, that is the small wide one just beneath where you are pointing, it also looks quite gunged up.

 

[Uncle Benz]

It could just be drying out if it’s been out in the weather. Let it run for a half hour, see if it dries out and stops

 

[Blobcat]

As per above, looks like it’s drying out to me.

 

[ants-uk]

It could just be drying out if it’s been out in the weather. Let it run for a half hour, see if it dries out and stops

I think you were right and nothing was raised at the MOT. So I think all good (aoart from the MOT failures lol).

Thank you.